As stated before,
Welcome to the private sector.
Ask yourselves a few questions,
If you were still government run would you have a similar pay increase?
Do you think that that the airport side of the business has as much value as the monopoly of the centres?
Do you honestly think that if you vote no there will be an improved offer?
Why do you think Gibraltar has no say? Did they not take that contract off Serco? It would not surprise me if they are running at a loss just to get into the European market.
The Airports could be done by different cheaper contractors of which there are a few. If NATS can not keep its cost down then it will probably get rid.
The few airports I have seen change hands, controllers do not leave on mass because they have a life in the area and TUPE means the transition is not too harsh. The airport does not suffer.
When with another company you will get your bog standard 3% per year if you agree to take on all these extra tasks to keep cost down and keep the contract. These companies do not recognise unions. Like it or look for another job, because there will be someone there ready to take your job or be trained to take your job.
If airport controllers wish to continue to work for NATS then sadly bite the bullet. It could get a whole lot worse.
